RU2469750C1 - Method of urgent maintenance of vehicle driver's, operator's working capacity based on biological feedback - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: in case of determining reduction of the level of wakefulness, pulse strain of forearm muscles is performed by means of carpal expander or without it. Force of strain, strain duration and relaxation are regulated in the following modes: pulse, alternating, rising.

EFFECT: preservation of working capacity in the state of fatigue and prevention of involuntary falling asleep during motion.

Description

The invention relates to the safety of drivers of vehicles for various purposes, operators of various professions, performing functional duties in emergency situations in a state of fatigue, and is aimed at preventing involuntary falling asleep.

In the prior art, known analogues of this purpose are made in the form of devices that read the physiological parameters of the driver (operator), form an information signal, at certain threshold values of this signal include a mechanical alarm in the form of effects on various representative human systems. This ensures the achievement of a technical result - maintaining the health of the driver (operator), which is a characteristic of the achieved technical effect - maintaining a state of wakefulness in the conditions of fatigue and emergency continuation of functional activity.

In instrument analogs, the information signal for monitoring the state of the driver (operator) is read out as a physiological parameter with which a correlation relationship between the monitored state and the wakeful state is established (or assumed). The level of wakefulness and its change is fixed by the heart rate pulsation (patent RU 94024580 from 1996.08.27; patent RU 02111133 from 1998.05.20), the oxygen concentration in the blood (patent RU 02275857 from 2006.05.10), signals of brain bio-potentials (patent RU 02287440 from 2006.11.20), pressure on the steering wheel (patent RU 02214931 from 2003.10.27), tilting the head (patent RU 02345420 from 2009.01.27), changing the electrical conductivity of the skin (patent RU 02200095 from 2003.03.10, patent RU 02251156 from 2005.04.27), the signals of the phase component of the skin-galvanic reaction (patent RU 2025731 from 1991.07.04), complex of Eren physiological parameters (RU Patent No. 02316433 by 2008.02.10). These are methods of "passive" monitoring of the driver (operator) state.

The mechanical alarm in the considered analogues does not prevent the driver (operator) from falling asleep, but only signals about it. Such a signal is not executive, but informational, therefore, such a signal cannot guarantee to change the controlled physiological state and ensure the wake of the driver (operator).

Known systems for changing the physiological state of the human body, built on the use of biological feedback (BFB) (patent RU 02071361 from 1997.01.10, patent RU 02192777 from 2002.11.20).

The closest in the way of the use of biofeedback is the analogue presented by the patent for invention RU 02124370 from 1999.01.10, Stark MB et al., A61M 21/00, A61B 5/16, “A method for training self-regulation of physiological parameters based on biological feedback”. On the monitor screen, the student is presented with the value of the physiological parameter in the form of the speed of one of the competing figures. In the presented system, relaxation and removal of psycho-emotional stress are trained. The speed of the computer image depends on the degree of relaxation. The greater the relaxation, the greater the speed. The desired level is set by the speed of the computer opponent. Further, in the process of a virtual race, the student produces arbitrary or recommended by the instruction actions aimed at maximum relaxation. An information signal (the speed of his hero on the monitor) motivates the necessary action to be launched. The relaxation state associated with the action through the biofeedback changes in the right direction and is visualized on the monitor - the hero moves faster. Having "caught" the internal mechanism of biofeedback, the student seeks to adjust himself in such a way as to increase the speed of his computer hero.

Similarly, only in a different structural and biological design, the biofeedback function in the claimed invention. These analogues using feedback have their own configuration of the biofeedback and are not used in the field of destination of the claimed invention.

The closest to the intended purpose is the prototype, represented by patent for invention RU 02111134 from 1998.05.20, Dementienko V.V. and Shakhnarovich V.M., B60K 28/06, “A method for maintaining the operability of a vehicle driver and a system for its implementation”.

An essential feature of the prototype is that the information signal about the physiological state of the driver (operator) is generated by the method of “active” control of the driver (operator) vigilance. The device analyzes the adequacy of the driver’s response to the semantic content of the stimulus in the form of a question (command). The fact of violation of the reaction time, the logical content of the response (action) is the criterion for the inclusion of signals - an audio signal for the driver, an executive signal to the vehicle control unit.

The considered analogues and prototype have significant limitations:

1. It is not possible to individually and situationally adjust the parameters of the information signal reflecting a controlled physiological state, i.e. approaching or crossing the wake-sleep border.

2. The sound signal of the impact on the representative system of the driver (operator) is not an executive, but an information signal. Such a signal cannot guarantee the entry of the driver (operator) into the “awake” state, therefore, cannot guarantee the technical effect (wakefulness) and, accordingly, cannot guarantee the technical result (maintenance of operability). This effect can only contribute to the control of falling asleep, but does not guarantee such control.

3. When a sound signal is issued to the driver (operator) continuously (or at short intervals), the driver (operator) does not have a mechanism to influence the recovery process and maintain the “wakefulness” state.

4. In systems using the methods of "active" control, there is no continuity of control.

The proposed method provides control and prevention of involuntary falling asleep of the driver (operator).

The technical result is the preservation of functional performance in a state of fatigue. The technical effect is the maintenance of wakefulness and the prevention of involuntary falling asleep in emergency situations when fatigue goes beyond safety.

Safe fatigue (fatigue) - a state of fatigue in which the physiological parameters of the driver (operator) allow you to safely carry out functional activities.

Conditionally safe fatigue is a state of fatigue in which a decrease in resource does not lead to the possibility of involuntary falling asleep, however, a decrease in physiological parameters (reaction time, steering wheel speed, etc.) can be dangerous for certain extreme conditions.

Dangerous fatigue has several stages.

1. Resource reduction - a state of fatigue in which restoring a resource requires sleep and rest.

2. Loss of a resource - a state of fatigue, in which irreversible processes of loss of the ability to restore a spent resource occur in the body.

3. Depletion of a resource - a state of critical fatigue in which a loss of consciousness occurs (“black out”).

The technical solution is as follows:

In the state of the first stage of dangerous fatigue, in case of emergency, the driver (operator) makes a strong-willed decision to continue performing functional activities. In a state of dangerous fatigue, the driver (operator) successively passes through three reflexive states: the state of feeling “I want to sleep”, the state of the action “I begin to fall asleep” and the state of the action “I fall asleep”. The conditions of monotony, the sitting position of the driver (operator) create powerful natural prerequisites for relaxation, necessary for falling asleep to a tired body. The strong-willed "Do not sleep" commands are unable to prevent the transition from the action "I begin to fall asleep" to the action "Fall asleep". The action "Fall asleep" is unacceptable, because it can lead to involuntary falling asleep. Thus, the task of controlling and preventing involuntary falling asleep is to control and prevent the transition from the action “I begin to fall asleep” to the action “Fall asleep”. To solve this problem, it is necessary to generate an information signal, an executive signal, criteria for the beginning and end of the application of the method. The first informational preparatory signal is the reflexive subjective sensation “I want to sleep.” This sensation signals that the next state of fatigue will be the action “I am starting to fall asleep” and it is necessary to pay attention to the transition to this state. Thus, the first signal (feeling “I want to sleep”) includes the attention of the driver (operator) to a change in his condition. The second informational signal, the reflexive action “I am starting to fall asleep,” is the criterion for the beginning (making a decision) of using this method, the initiator of turning on the executive signal, which prevents the transition to the “I go to sleep” state. Such an executive signal is generated when starting the biological feedback as follows. Upon receipt of the second information signal “I am starting to fall asleep”, the driver (operator) begins to act - creates muscle tension, alternately strains and relaxes the muscles of the forearm with or without the carpal expander. The created muscle tension forms a focus of excitation in the brain. This excitation prevents relaxation and, accordingly, falling asleep of the driver (operator) and allows you to continue functional activity. To compensate for the manifestation of increasing fatigue, the driver (operator) increases the focus of excitation. This is achieved by increasing the strength and duration of the stress phase, reducing the duration of the relaxation phase. The escalation of the load of the muscles of the forearm leads to the transition from aerobic to anaerobic mechanism of energy supply of muscular work. The anaerobic mechanism is limited by glycogen stores in the muscles of the forearm. Glycogen reserves are reduced, the driver experiences severe physical fatigue of the muscles of the forearm and makes a strong-willed decision to stop the escalation of tension. The cessation of muscle tension in the forearm leads to the elimination of the focus of excitation in the brain, a natural state of relaxation occurs, which contributes to involuntary falling asleep. The fact of the cessation of muscle tension of the forearm is a criterion for completing the use of the proposed method. Therefore, the driver (operator) before stopping the use of this method must take measures to complete the functional activity.

The essential features of the proposed method are:

1. Actions:

- reflection of the state “I want to sleep” and “I begin to fall asleep”;

- concentration of attention on a change in state;

- volitional tension-relaxation of the muscles of the forearm.

- volitional cessation of muscle tension of the forearm;

2. Procedure:

1) detection by reflection method of the state “I want to sleep”;

2) focus on state change;

3) detection by the method of reflection of the state “I begin to fall asleep”;

4) volitional tension-relaxation of the muscles of the forearm;

5) volitional cessation of muscle tension of the forearm;

3. Action mode

The mode of tension of the muscles of the forearm is pulsed, alternating (with two hands), increasing. The strength of the voltage, the duration of the stress phase and the relaxation phase are determined by achieving the minimum level of excitation of the brain focus, sufficient to prevent the state “I want to sleep”. Using an individual selection method for the current state of fatigue, the driver (operator) determines the minimum voltage strength, the minimum duration of the voltage phase and the maximum duration of the relaxation phase.

4. Use of devices (devices)

The tension of the muscles of the forearm is carried out in two ways: 1) using a carpal expander; 2) by tension of an empty hand.

Familiarization, development and verification of the individual effectiveness of the proposed method initially takes place in safe conditions and situations. Safe when the consequences of falling asleep in the process of functional activity will not lead to negative results. The implementation of the method is available to any adult reflective person.

The method is as follows.

Training. The driver (operator) in the state of the first stage of dangerous fatigue is offered to take a comfortable sitting relaxation posture and is given a task functionally similar to the actions of an observing operator with a minimum of physical activity. For example, the task of watching a movie to the end and then telling what happened and how it ended. Read a fragment of the book. When a person “struggling with sleep” falls asleep and wakes up, this means that he is in a dangerous stage of fatigue. In the process of professional activity in this state, negative consequences may occur.

Application of the method. By reflection method, the driver (operator) reveals his own state “I want to sleep”. Observes a change in this state. When the driver (operator) reflects by the method of reflection “I begin to fall asleep”, he begins to strain the muscles of the forearm (with or without the carpal expander). By adjusting the voltage strength (minimum), the voltage duration (minimum) and the relaxation duration (maximum), the driver (operator) achieves the subjective disposal of the states “I fall asleep,” “I begin to fall asleep,” “I want to sleep.” Continues to complete the task. Fatigue increases. To prevent the appearance of the state “I want to sleep” and “I begin to fall asleep”, it is necessary to increase the strength and duration of tension, reduce the duration of relaxation, and alternately strain different hands. In accordance with the individual resources of muscle activity (glycogen stores in the muscles of the forearm), the driver (operator) continues to escalate the tension of the muscles of the forearm. Keeping awake this way is becoming harder and harder. The driver (operator) makes a conscious volitional decision to stop straining the muscles of the forearm and end the application of this method. The focus of brain stimulation created by muscle tension fades, natural relaxation and involuntary falling asleep occur.

After individual development of the method in safe conditions, the driver (operator) likewise applies the method in emergency situations. The driver (operator) must take measures to safely complete the performance of functional duties before completing the application of this method.

Claims (1)

The method of emergency maintenance of the driver’s health while continuing functional activity, characterized in that when determining the reduction in the level of wakefulness, the forearm muscles are pulsed with or without the carpal expander, adjusting the voltage, voltage and relaxation in the following modes: pulsed, alternating, growing.